Motivation

"And suddenly my behavior seemed to me udderly baffling. All this planing, all this effort just to upset my dearest friend." Pg. 60

   Reflecting over Kathy's occasional annoyances and bickering with Ruth made me wonder why Kathy would believe Ruth was her best friend. In reality, Ruth seems predominantly strongheaded and inconsiderate of the feelings of others. Immediately I thought of the relationship between Finny and Gene in A Separate Peace. What Kathy describes between she and Ruth closely resembles this friendship. One person has behaviors that, deep down, the other abhors, but there remains some inescapable feeling of loyalty towards that person. In A Separate Peace, the friendship complex ultimately left Gene with a dead best friend. Perhaps Kathy's motivation in recalling her social progression with Ruth is to show that the roles have flipped. Due to her strong personality, Ruth probably grew up having things that Kathy wanted. Now Kathy is speaking from the role of a carer. She had to watch Ruth through her donations while she remained fine. I do not think Kathy thinks back on the memories for vengeance, but rather because she savors the days when every experience was new and enlightening.